Winnie Madikizela-Mandela – The Diva of Pan-Africanism

It may not be anytime soon for Africa to have another iconic freedom fighter and pan-Africanist like Winnie – a legendary emblem for freedom across Africa and beyond. The revolutionary Madikizela has won for herself a royal crown of fame and heroism for sacrificing her lifetime in pursuit of an Africa free from servitude, colonialism and imperialism.

The continent mourns Mama Winnie not because she was a female, but because she was a courageous and ideological female who stood in defense of social justice, equality and economic freedom. Mama Winnie was a loyal and chauvinistic anti-apartheid activist whose acumen and perspicacity evoked a new wave of anti-racial debate and struggle in South Africa.

Today, Africa has 54 sovereign nations because of Winnie and many other freedom fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. The echo of Winnie’s powerful voice for an equal and just Africa still resonates with millions of Africans in this dispensation. Mama Mandela was indeed an AFRICAN PRIDE.

The Student Unification Party considers Winnie as an all-time Heroine for the liberation of the African Continent. When South Africans were in search of a voice to speak against racial segregation, Winnie was there. When South Africa as well as Africa was in search of a mother, Winnie was always there. When it was a taboo for a woman to stand up against apartheid President F.W. de Klerk, Winnie even stood taller.

She risked her life many days just to guarantee an Africa of equity, equality and self-determination. She was arrested and tortured by state security on many occasions. Winnie had to spend several months in solitary confinement for crimes she didn’t commit. She gave her all to this genuine struggle in order to liberate millions of black South Africans from racism and xenophobia.

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In fact, Winnie became Madiba’s public face during his 27 years in prison after the Rivonia Trial. The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa yesteryear grew in size and stimulus due to Winnie’s ability to rally black South Africans into action. Mama Mandela did all she could to put an end to a conflict-ridden and racial system in South Africa. Her mission was desirably fulfilled and her thirst for a sovereign Africa was quenched.

Madikizela-Mandela finally fell prey to death at the Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg on April 2, 2018. The African Continent is mourning this legendary icon. The people of South Africa are grieving as a result of this loss. SUP joins citizens of Africa and the World to eulogize Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela – The Mother of the Nation.

The revolutionary Vanguard Student Unification Party of the University of Liberia calls on all Liberians and SUPists as well as all Africans in and out of Liberia to observe a week of silent mourning in loving memory of this dedicated and uncompromising ideologue, activist, heroine and pan-Africanist. SUP considers Winnie as The Diva of Pan-Africanism. When the history of Africa is rewritten, Winnie deserves an entire chapter.

Even though she is gone, but her legacy lives on. Sleep on Winnie – sleep in peace for your mission on earth was fulfilled with pride and dignity. SUP shall forever remain proud of your iconic legacy.

As you have been graciously received by Papa Nelson Madiba Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Kwame Nkrumah, Thomas Sankara, Samora Machel, Julius Kambarage Nyerere and other freedom fighters, the torch of Pan-Africanism remains alive as young African revolutionaries continue to march in your exemplary imprints.

Permit us to end in Swahili “Wewe ni Diva ya Pan-Africanism” which means in English “You are the Diva of Pan-Africanism.”

Done and issued on this 11th Day of April A.D. 2018 by the mandate of the Politburo and Central Committee concomitantly.

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